Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist

Defenders of Wildlife; Denver (CO); Remote; USD 77,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization is seeking an Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist to develop strategies that protect wildlife from energy project impacts. This role involves collaboration with various departments and requires effective communication and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience, with opportunities for remote work.

Qualifications

• 2 years of relevant experience; equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to avoid adverse impacts to wildlife.
• Collaborate with experts to oppose weakening environmental statutes.
• Research and write policy papers and advocacy products.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Partnering

Change Management

Problem Solving

Ecology

Legal and Government

Public Planning

Leveraging Representation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Job description

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist

SALARY: $77,000 – $85,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Land and Habitat Conservation

LOCATION: HQ, Washington, DC; Denver, CO or Remote

REPORTS TO: Director, Energy and Biodiversity Program

NUMBER OF REPORTS: 0

LAST REVISED: March 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

This professional-level position is responsible for helping to develop and implement strategies to ensure that energy projects of all types are developed and sited in ways to avoid unnecessary adverse impacts to imperiled wildlife and habitats. The Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist is responsible for advancing Defenders’ conservation mission, strategic plan, and conservation priorities. This position collaborates closely with other departments including Government Relations, Biodiversity Law Center, Center for Conservation Innovation, Species Conservation and Coexistence, and Communications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Energy and Biodiversity team and other staff to develop goals and objectives for advancing Defenders’ energy and biodiversity work.
• Collaborate with policy experts, attorneys, scientists, lobbyists, communications specialists, and field advocates to oppose efforts to weaken federal environmental statutes related to fossil fuel development on federal lands and waters.
• Develop Defenders’ positions on legislative and administrative proposals concerning energy project siting and development.
• Facilitate internal coordination of energy initiatives and interdisciplinary approaches to achieve organizational goals.
• Represent wildlife interests in private sector efforts related to energy siting.
• Act as Defenders’ representative on national energy and biodiversity issues in meetings with officials, public hearings, press events, conferences, coalitions, and communication with the public, legislators, media, members, donors, and the community.
• Research, write, and supervise the development of policy papers, reports, blogs, action alerts, and other advocacy products, coordinating with relevant departments.
• Some travel is required for this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Experience: 2 years of relevant experience; equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Refer to https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities for all qualifications.

• Strategic Thinking: Formulates effective strategies aligned with organizational goals, considering long-term impacts.
• Partnering: Builds networks and alliances across boundaries to achieve shared objectives.
• Change Management: Applies principles and strategies for effective change implementation.
• Problem Solving: Identifies issues, evaluates information, and recommends solutions.
• Ecology: Knowledge of organism-environment relationships and human impacts on natural systems.
• Legal and Government: Understanding of laws, regulations, legal practices, and government processes.
• Public Planning: Knowledge of community and natural resource planning, environmental impact analysis, and land use planning.
• Leveraging Representation: Fosters an inclusive workplace leveraging diversity to meet organizational goals.
• Communication: Effective oral and written communication tailored to the audience.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities: Check applicable; frequent activities include moving, communicating, adjusting objects, etc. Refer to original for detailed options.

Environmental Conditions: Check applicable; conditions include outdoor elements, noise, hazards, etc. Refer to original for details.

Physical Demands: Choose one; options include sedentary, light, medium, or heavy work. Refer to original for specifics.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply. All employees must perform essential duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities. Defenders of Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer and a union-eligible position represented by OPEIU Local 2.